SQUADRON SIGN: A close-up of the
VMB-613's squadron insignia that hung outside the Officers' Club in the
squadron area on Kwajalein. The squadron insignia on the sign was
designed by the squadron Utilities Officer, First Lieutenant James R.
Edmunds III.

OFFICER'S CLUB: In this view of the
Officers' Club, VMB-613's squadron insignia can be clearly
seen. The identity of the Marine that designed the insignia
remained a mystery to most until his identity was discovered in 2006.

OFFICERS CLUB
INTERIOR: The Officers Club was
located across Ocean Road from the VMB-613's compound. It was
constructed by the squadron's officers with the main part, shown above,
simply being a corrugated steel Quonset hut.

THE BAR: The
bar in VMB-613 Officer's
Club was simple, yet well-stocked with "medical supplies." Behind
the bar is the squadron, insignia, a photograph of a PBJ and caricatures
of some of the squadron's officers.

INTERIOR OF OFFICERS CLUB
VERANDA: Overlooking the
Pacific Ocean, the veranda at the Officers Club provided a relaxing
relief from the tropical sun.

Photograph:
U.S. Marine Corps, Clell Q. Thorpe Collection (Courtesy of the
University of Houston Libraries)

OFFICER'S CLUB
MAINTENANCE: First Lieutenant Ross
K. Bennett applies a coat of paint to what is believed to be the
verandah of VMB-613's Officers Club. As the Officers' Club was
strictly off-limits to enlisted men, the squadron officers provided all
the labor to construct and maintain the facility.

BASKETBALL GAME: Squadron recreational
activities included basketball which was played in the Recreation Area
near the Fleet Marine Theatre. In a brisk game between Navarres'
Stars and the Flyers, seen above, Technical Sergeant Francis M. Jordan
takes a shot.

SQUADRON LEAGUE
VOLLEYBALL: Squadron members
enjoy a brisk game of volleyball during off-duty hours. Athletics
such as these helped to break the monotony of life on Kwajalein and
served to boost morale.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE:
Boris Karloff visits with VMB-613 during one of a number
of USO tours that performed for the men on Kwajalein in 1945. Karloff
and his troupe performed "Arsenic and Old Lace."

Photograph: U.S, Marine
Corps (Courtesy of Frank E. Acker)

BORIS KARLOFF:
Horror movie actor Boris Karloff takes time to sign autographs for VMB-613
members following his performance.

Photograph: U.S, Marine
Corps (Courtesy of Frank E. Acker)

REFRESHMENTS:
Following the performance of Arsenic and Old Lace, cast members served
sandwiches and soft drinks to squadron members.

Photograph: U.S, Marine
Corps (Courtesy of Kim Haddix)

INTRODUCING CHILI
WILLIAMS: Known as "The Polka Dot Girl" of pinups,
Chili Williams and her USO troupe visited the Marines of VMB-613 on
Kwajalein. Here, Chili gets introduced to the "boys" by actor,
Jack Carson.